Walk Wisely, Be Filled Ephesians 5:15-21 By David Turner

We’ve learned (Eph. 5) As children imitate their Father, we need to imitate our heavenly Father (5:1).

We’ve learned (Eph. 5) Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, imitate Christ’s love (5:2)

We’ve learned (Eph. 5) As God’s separated people, stay away from sexual immorality and greed (5:3).

We’ve learned (Eph. 5) Instead of filthy talk, speak with thanksgiving (5:4).

We’ve learned (Eph. 5) As Children of God and Children of light, don’t participate in the activities of Children of disobedience and darkness (5:5-12).

We’ve learned (Eph. 5) Try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord (5:10).

We’ve steped out of the darkness and into the light. And though light has prevailed over darkness, we must be careful how we walk because there is still darkness in the world.

Ephesians 5:15–21 (ESV) 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Walk Wisely 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

Manage Your Time Wisely 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Don’t be Foolish 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Wisdom seeks to know what pleases the Lord and walks in the light. Foolishness cares for self-gratification and pleasure and hides in darkness.

Wisdom is careful of Influences What Spirit Controls You? The World’s Spirit? Or, The Lord’s Spirit?

Don’t be controlled by Wine 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, The original meaning is a.“incurable” b. “one who by his manner of life, esp. by dissipation, destroys himself.” c.In NT speaks of wild disorderly behavior

1 Peter 4:3–5 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Instead of being under the influence of wine (or other intoxicants) Paul encourages us to be constantly under the influence of something better…

Be Controlled by the Spirit but be filled with the Spirit, If you’re going to get high, get high with the Spirit.

Acts 2:13–18 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” 14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.

Relationship of the Spirit to the Believer All believers have been: – Baptized by the Spirit. – Indwelt by the Spirit (The Spirit Abides in us). – We are Sealed by the Spirit (secured). Believers are implored: – Not to grieve the Spirit – To be filled by the Spirit (under the Spirits control or influence)

All Believers are Indwelt By the Spirit Romans 8:9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. To be in Christ is to be in the Spirit. Both Christ and the Spirit lives in us.

All Believers are Indwelt By the Spirit 1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

All Believers are Indwelt By the Spirit James 4:5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”?

All Believers are Sealed By the Spirit Ephesians 1:13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

All Believers are Sealed By the Spirit Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Not All Believers Yield to the Spirit’s Influence but be filled with the Spirit, “be filled” is a present active imperative. Lit. “be continually filled” Indwelling is not a guarantee of Influence or Control.

Special Fillings of the Spirit Specific people that were filled with the Spirit to accomplish a special purpose for God.

Special Fillings of the Spirit John the Baptist Luke 1:15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.

Special Fillings of the Spirit Elizabeth Luke 1:41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit,

Special Fillings of the Spirit Zechariah: prophesy Luke 1:67 And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,

Special Fillings of the Spirit The Apostles: tongues Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Special Fillings of the Spirit Peter: to speak boldly Acts 4:8 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders,

Special Fillings of the Spirit Paul: Insight and pronounces judgment Acts 13:9–11 9 But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.

Though God fills specific believers for a specific purpose. All that are indwelt by the Spirit are to be inebriated by God’s general filling of the Spirit.

For Believers in General but be filled with the Spirit, – 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, – singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, – 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, – 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Speak to each other with song… but be filled with the Spirit, – 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

Colossians 3:16 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Sing to the Lord but be filled with the Spirit, – singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,

Sing To the Lord Psalm 57:7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody! Psalm 105:2 Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Psalm 108:1 My heart is steadfast, O God! I will sing and make melody with all my being!

Sing to the Lord Psalm 18:49 For this I will praise you, O L ORD, among the nations, and sing to your name. Romans 15:9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” James 5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.

Examples Mark 14:26 (ESV) And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Acts 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,

Give Thanks to God but be filled with the Spirit, – 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Submit to one another but be filled with the Spirit, – 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

What is the best way to empty an empty glass of air?